Storybook Circus "Giggle Gang" Clown Troupe

[Mamato3Princes]

I have to say, this scares the crap outta me.

 

[chocovrdmicears]

I hate clowns - the only thing scarier than having them chase me through Fantasyland is seeing one of them slide down the pool slide at the Boardwalk Inn.

 

[WDSearcher]

There are kids who are scared of the villains, but no one ever calls for the Villains to be taken out of meet & greets or events.

There are people who are scared to death of drop rides and roller coasters -- no one advocates closing them.

There are people who are afraid of snakes, bats, bugs, and all number of other critters. No one says "close Animal Kingdom".

If you're afraid of clowns, simply check the Giggle Gang's performance schedule and avoid the Storybook Circus area of the park during those times.

See? That wasn't so hard.

 

[hulagirl87]

And I know they will refuse to go back to the area, kind of like how I run past Italy in WS when the mime is out there *shutters*.

me too!!! If a clown gets near me on our upcoming trip I will probably cry.

 

[KellyNY]

I am not afraid of clowns, I just find them not amusing at all. I think they are loud and obnoxious and I associate them with cheap carnivals, not high level park like Disney. It is just so .

 

[CurlyJo224]

I know an awful lot people who are freaked out by characters. That doesn't seem to stop Disney. People are terrified by heights. And small spaces. And crowds. Disney can't possibly cater to phobias. It's an impossible task.

This is a good point. I have a niece who is terrified of costumed characters. Mickey Mouse, Chuck E Cheese, sports mascots, it doesn't matter. She still managed to go to Disney World.

I'm terrified of bugs. You know what I do? I just don't go see It's Tough to Be a Bug.

Give it a chance, people!

 

[Magical Kingdoms]

I don't like clowns at all! They used to scare the crap outta me when I was younger, and now I still can't stand being close to them. But they're a good addition to the theme and that's what Disney's going for.

But since I'm not a huge Dumbo fan (Or a circus fan) I'll probably just stay away from that section of the park. But hey, at least they're not the clowns from Dumbo, which someone told me were supposed to be added to the Barnstormer for it's retheme. Hate those guys.

When my brother finds out about these guys he'll have a hoot trying to torture me.

 

[Polydweller]

I am not afraid of clowns, I just find them not amusing at all. I think they are loud and obnoxious and I associate them with cheap carnivals, not high level park like Disney. It is just so .

My thoughts exactly. This just doesn't seem to be right for a Disney level. I've never liked clowns and never found them funny, just bizarre.

 

[Diznygrl]

I'm not sure comparing fear of clowns to fear of other characters or roller coasters is fair. The percentage of people who have an aversion to clowns is huge compared to the other fears mentioned, just look at the reactions in this thread. When you read a thread about a new meet-n-greet or something, you don't get an overwhelming number of responses saying "Oh my God, I'm absolutely terrified of Brer Rabbit, I will be avoiding this area for sure." But clowns......?

Not sure what Disney was thinking with this one. I'm willing to bet there are more people out there who hate clowns than there are people who like them.

 

[estherhead]

Actually I looked this up before I posted the first time. It's about 10% of the American population.

25% are afraid of spiders. I am one. I do not love ITTBAB.

I personally know many adults and tons of small kids who are TERRIFIED of characters. There even is an entire thread of photos of people freaking out when characters come up to them.

 

[disneyworld1977]

I am scared of sharks because of Jaws. Although I saw "IT", I am not scared of clowns though.

Anyways, I am very interested in see these clowns when I get there, to see if its just an "ok" thing or really corny.

 

[chip611]

I'm not sure comparing fear of clowns to fear of other characters or roller coasters is fair. The percentage of people who have an aversion to clowns is huge compared to the other fears mentioned, just look at the reactions in this thread. When you read a thread about a new meet-n-greet or something, you don't get an overwhelming number of responses saying "Oh my God, I'm absolutely terrified of Brer Rabbit, I will be avoiding this area for sure." But clowns......?

Not sure what Disney was thinking with this one. I'm willing to bet there are more people out there who hate clowns than there are people who like them.

I got curious and did some investigating. According to LiveScience the top 10 fears of Americans are this
10- The Dentist
9- Dogs
8- Flight
7- Thunder & Lightning
6- Dark
5- Heights
4- Other People
3- Scary Spaces
2- Creepy Crawlies
1- Snakes

Clowns... didn't make the list. I'm not saying the fear isn't real. I believe there are people truly afraid of clowns. But I agree with the advice posted above. Find out the times the Giggle Gang performs and visit Storybook Circus during their 'off' times. Simple.

 

[disneyworld1977]

Kramer was afraid of clowns.

 

[fairestoneofall]

i'm not terrified of clowns, but i don't like them. i can tolerate them for my kids though. however, i don't take them to the circus!

i blame the movie Poltergeist. i saw that movie as a kid, before i'd heard of the book "It." and while i've ready many books by Stephen King, i have never read "It" (and don't plan to).

 

[mrsxsparrow]

The clowns aren't out there just roaming around, and I have yet to see them interact with someone who didn't try to interact with them first. They walk from the fastpass distribution/Pete's Silly Sideshow area to out in front of the merchandise location, put on a little show, and then leave. It may be difficult to avoid seeing them all together, but it's pretty simple to just walk on by and not pay attention to them.

I'm not a fan of clowns either but they put on some cute little shows. Fun and silly and not creepy or scary at all.

 

[luvthemouse71]

As long as this guy isn't there, I'm all for it.

 

[Carol97]

I just watched a small clip from youtube about this show and it looked so lame! I am so disappointed that they spent so much time and money into something new that just looks like a waste of time and I'm not even a clown hater or scared of them. Am I missing something here? I don't think my kids would stay interested in this at all. And why is Disney putting so much into clowns when it should be about Disney characters?!?! I'd take another Disney character themed parade or meet and greet anyday!

 

[mattsdragon]

Clowns = Evil.

They should only be allowed out with the villiians at the MNSSHP M&G.

 

[blueiis99]

I'm glad to see I'm not alone... My kids don;t like clowns either. I wish they had chosen a more "disney" type theme. Honestly I can't wait for this to be re-renovated again.

sorry for all those that like clowns, but eeeww.

 

[GreenCntryGirl]

i'm not terrified of clowns, but i don't like them. i can tolerate them for my kids though. however, i don't take them to the circus!

i blame the movie Poltergeist. i saw that movie as a kid, before i'd heard of the book "It." and while i've ready many books by Stephen King, i have never read "It" (and don't plan to).

"It" is an amazing book...second favorite King novel behind "The Stand" and the movie doesn't do it justice although Tim Curry does a fabulous Pennywise.

Back on topic: I can take it or leave it but I have a family member who is grown who will need to know ahead of time. I get the circus theme but I didn't understand why Pete got involved (I think he's creepy).